New Exodus hiking holidays for 2016

Here are some of the new hiking holidays Exodus Travels will be offering for 2016.

Walking in the Prosecco Hills
Just an hour’s drive north of Venice, in the foothills of the Dolomites, is one of the world’s best yet largely undiscovered wine regions. Here ancient terraced vineyards clinging to the sides of every possible slope are dedicated exclusively to grapes for Italy’s most prized sparkling wine: Prosecco. Based in an elegant converted villa, located in the heart of the so called 'Prosecco Road' - Italy’s oldest wine route - we spend a week walking through picturesque rolling hills and sampling the area’s delicious cuisine and authentic bubbles. We also visit charming mediaeval villages such as Cison, Follina, Asolo as well as the beautiful capital province of Treviso.

Tour du Mont Blanc (Self-Guided)
For those confident of their walking ability we offer the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc as a self-guided itinerary. The majestic beauty of the surrounding scenery is best appreciated on foot as you walk point-to-point each day, staying in friendly hotels and auberges at night. Your main baggage is transported for you by van, and using comprehensive route notes you follow the well-marked trails across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. The walking is challenging, but the views and the sense of achievement are well worth it!

South Africa: Trails of the Garden Route
Deep winding gorges, towering coastal vistas and ancient forests: this is a must for anyone who craves varied scenery. From conquering iconic Table Mountain to hiking to the point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, every day is different – and that’s before game drives and wine tasting.

Three Peaks of Ladakh
If conquering one Himalayan summit isn't enough of a challenge for you, try three peaks and five high passes! After acclimatisation time in Leh (3500m) we begin trekking from Mankarmo. The trail ascends a spectacular gorge to reach a high altitude plain at Nimaling, inhabited by Ladakhi shepherds and their huge flocks of sheep, goats and yaks. Vatseri Peak (5640m) is a good warm up before summiting our highest peak, Dzo Jongo East (6040m), which offers breath-taking views over the Karakorum and Indian Himalaya. The climb is tough, but optional and technically easy. We trek out via the third peak, Konga Ri (5680m). 

Iran: Mt Damavand Ascent
A welcome return to the Exodus map, Iran is home to Mount Damavand, a towering 5,610m peak overlooking the Caspian Sea. Rugged, rocky scenery accompanies you to the summit, a spiritual place echoing with ancient Iranian mythology and storytelling.

Sacred Mountain Lodge Trek
For the first time you can trek in Peru with Exodus but without camping. Our new trek to Ausangate, one of the most famous and beautiful peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota range, stays in tambos, Peruvian eco-lodges committed to sustainability in this remote, mountainous environment. Not only are the tambos environmentally friendly, they’re also a great way to mingle with the Andeans who call these mountains home.

Hiking offer for 2015

Book any Exodus hiking adventure between November 1 to November 30, 2014 and you will save $150 off the price of your trip.

Term & Conditions
1.  When booking an Exodus Hiking holiday with Adventure.com between 1 November and 30 November 2014 customers will be entitled to $150 off. 
2.  Offer is not combinable with any other discount except for loyalty discounts.
3.  Valid for new bookings only and cannot be backdated prior to 1 November 2014.
4.  Valid for departures between 1st January 2015 – 31st December 2015.
5.  Please quote '1648' when booking to receive discount. Discount will be applied after online booking is made, and at time of invoicing.
6.  A booking is deemed to have been made once the deposit payment has been received.
7.  Offer is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.
8.  Offer is valid for customers who book with Adventure.com
9.  We reserve the right to limit, change or cancel the offer at any time without notice.
10. No correspondence will be entered into regarding this offer.

New hiking trips for 2015

Walking, hiking, trekking - all different ways to explore the world on foot.  It gives you time to smell the roses, take photos, chat with people and appreciate your surroundings.  Instead of a spectator you become a participant.  Here is our line-up of new hiking trips for 2015.

Italy - Walking in the Dolomites
The enormous pinnacles and towers of the majestic Dolomites are a fairyland where lush meadows nestle against towering limestone peaks, of all different colours. Small family run hotels and comfortable ‘rifugi’ (mountain huts) welcome grateful hikers with delectable cuisine, the ubiquitous grappa and steaming cappuccino. Drink in this dramatic limestone setting as we make our way through the different parts of this beautiful mountain range.

Iceland - Walking & Nature
Skaftafell National Park, known as one of Iceland's gems, boasts wonderful hiking trails, Europe’s biggest glacier, incomparable views of Iceland’s highest peaks, extensive sand flats and the country’s most varied flora.  Throw in the legendary Vestmannaeyjar and you have a trip that is hard to beat.

Spain & France - Highlights of the Basque Country
The sparkling coastline with sweeping golden beaches, colourful fishing ports and dramatic Atlantic surf form a perfect backdrop for a week of relaxed walking. Explore cosmopolitan resorts and the the lush mountain pathways of the Pyrenees, while spending evenings relaxing in a comfortable hotel.

Italy - Walks of the Cinque Terre and Portofino
On inspirational walks through hills, woodland and coastal villages you will discover why these areas have earned names such as the Gulf of the Poets. The iconic trails, the temperate climate, ample opportunities for walking, relaxing and sampling delicious food and wine, make this trip a great introduction to Italy.

France - Chablis Vineyards Walk
This gentle paced self-guided ramble takes you through picture-postcard Burgundy - towpaths, river valleys and wheat fields - as you head to the fortified mediaeval town of Vezelay. En route, pass through vineyards, flower-filled hillsides, woods teeming with wildlife and pretty riverside villages.

Austria - Lakes Walk
The Austrian Lakes area offers a glorious mix of spectacular scenic views, wooded forest trails, picture-perfect 'chocolate box' villages and swimming opportunities galore! The self-guided walks are relaxed, following mainly well marked routes, with options to extend most days.

Indonesia - Volcanoes Trek
Sitting firmly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia boasts more active volcanoes than anywhere else on Earth. The result is a lush and fertile land which has developed a rich and diverse culture. Journey through the islands of Java, Bali and Lombok and explore ancient temples, wander through villages and rice paddies and hike up active volcanoes with fumaroles, calderas and sulphuric lakes.

China - Everest North Col Expedition
This expedition allows you to experience the Everest only ever seen by those who dare to venture further than the comfort of Everest Base Camp; and the rewards are enormous. Follow in the footsteps of explorers Mallory and Irvine on the ascent of the North Col of Everest (7,066m).

Nepal - Mera Peak Expedition
A tough but rewarding expedition through a beautiful high alpine environment, where Mera Peak, the highest trekking peak in Nepal at 6476m, towers over the valley. With good acclimatisation and plenty of willpower, you can reach the summit of this beautiful Himalayan peak.

Nepal - Mini Annapurna Circuit
The perfect trek for those who would like to experience Nepal’s classic Annapurna Circuit trek in just two weeks. Enjoy superb views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri and the chance to cross the formidable Thorong La Pass.

Active sightseeing trips

New this year is a series of trips which let you try your hand at different activities, while exploring a country or region in depth.

Thailand - Hike, bike & kayak
Fancy some outdoor activity in a tropical paradise? Now's your chance as we launch into the remote highlands of Northern Thailand from Bangkok, one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. Travel into steamy rainforests on foot to visit colourful hilltribes, cruise down the River Kwai on kayaks and explore the lesser-known side of Chiang Mai from a bicycle. The diversity of exciting outdoor options makes Thailand a haven for adventurers.

Cambodia - Hike, bike & kayak
Cambodia’s incredible beauty, fantastic food and unique culture are even better when combined with some serious outdoor adventure. Explore Phnom Penh and visit haunting monuments to Cambodia’s tragic past, take to the Mekong for an island homestay, get up close with Irrawaddy dolphins and kayak through spectacular flooded forests, then discover the ancient temple ruins of the incredible Angkor complex by foot and mountain bike before winding up in Siem Reap.

Turkey - Hike, Bike & Kayak
Experience Turkey from a different perspective. Abandon well-worn routes to forge a path through unexplored terrain, deep into the historical heart of Turkey. Travel from the minarets of Istanbul city, visiting Turkey’s holiest sites, cycling breathtaking Mediterranean coastlines, hiking the Lycian Way and kayaking over sunken cities. Take up the challenge and be amazed by all that this active travel adventure has to offer.

Arctic Watch Lodge: Adventure and Wildlife at 74°N
Head to the Canadian Arctic for a unique view of the wildlife and scenery of this spellbinding region. Based in the Arctic Watch Lodge on Somerset Island, witness beluga whales playing in the waters outside the lodge; hike to waterfalls and across colourful tundra; take to the water in kayaks to get up close to icebergs, seals and whales; and witness an epic history in towering canyons, prehistoric fossils and Thule ruins. This up close and personal trip to the Arctic is a truly unforgettable adventure.

Inca Trail and its alternatives

This post has been moved to our new blog.

New hiking and walking trips for 2014

With walking and hiking trips all over the world, we still manage to find some great new trips each year.  Here is our line-up of new walking and hiking trips for 2014.  For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Cycling, Americas, Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.


Wildflowers & Waterfalls of the Swiss Alps: the Bernese Oberland is the ideal picturesque setting for scenic walks: glaciers, numerous stunning waterfalls and lush green valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for a relaxing week. All walks are set at a gentle pace leaving plenty of time to admire the 'chocolate box' villages we pass through, or to stop and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm spring sunshine.  Striking wild flowers flourish and carpet the meadows in colourful blankets. Our base for the week is a cosy, traditional Swiss hotel found in the charming village of Wilderswil and we use a mixture of local trains and buses to explore the natural beauty that this stunning region has to offer.

Provence: a stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les Bains offers the perfect base for a week of gentle daywalks. From our comfortable converted chateau, we explore the region with a mixture of walks from the door or following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of lavender or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.

Lake Garda, Italy: the contrasting landscape of dramatic mountains, clear water and sandy coves make Lake Garda a wonderful place to visit. Close to the lake, the atmosphere is Mediterranean, with a mild climate supporting palms and lemon groves alongside the olives and vines. Away from the shore craggy mountains rise rapidly and the citrus groves give way to forest and alpine meadows. The multitude of lakeside villages have historically been linked by boat, which we use to explore the area along with a combination of buses and cable car.

Walking Dubrovnik and Montenegro: this walking trip is packed with highlights, combining gentle walks with the very best cultural attractions. We have plenty of time to explore the UNESCO cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor; interspersed with walks in the rolling hills and mountains that surround these cities. Enjoying the azure coastline will also be a priority and we will have the opportunity to appreciate the tranquility of the quiet bays on the idylic island of Lopud. Dubrovnik is a must see for any visitor to this area and with four nights here you will have plenty of time to explore. With gentle walks, fascinating culture and coastal serenity, this trip is the perfect amble towards relaxation.

Walking Malta and Gozo: in the heart of the Mediterranean, lie the beautiful and always sun-kissed Maltese Islands. The bustling island of Malta is home to the oldest megalithic temples on Earth, the UNESCO Old City of Valletta and bucolic inland paths. Leaving Malta behind, the tranquil, verdant island of Gozo, dotted with delightful honey-coloured villages and dramatic coastline, is a paradise for walkers. The hotels used on this holiday have been carefully handpicked for their charming character and unique location, perfect for relaxing after a day of walking.

Namibia, Trekking & Tribes: caught between the Kalahari and the Atlantic Ocean is a country of extreme natural beauty where wildlife roam and some of the continent's most charismatic tribes still live a traditional lifestyle. As well as exploring some of Namibia's highlights such as Etosha N.P. and the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, we learn about the San Bushmen's hunter/gatherer traditions, visit a Himba village and go on game walks in some of the country's smaller parks.

Trails of Ladakh, India: sandwiched between the western Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, or 'Little Tibet'. Time in the capital Leh gives us the perfect opportunity to acclimatise as well as exploring the town, Leh Palace and some of the most important monasteries in the area. This fairly gentle trek gives us the chance to enjoy the views and experience village life, in this most remote area of India with its rich culture, where the way of life hasn't changed for centuries.

Trekking in Burma: we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the cultural heart of the nation, and Bagan with its plain of 4000 temples. For our trekking we head to the Chin Hills of north west Burma. This area is home to the ethnic Chin people whose culture and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Women are adorned with tattooed faces and we will stay in monasteries and school houses, immersing ourselves amongst this welcoming culture. Passing forested hills, tea plantations and lush valleys we end the trek with an ascent of Mt Victoria (3063m) for magnificent views of the surrounding area.

Costa Rica - Volcano & Tropical Paradise Walk: follow handpicked walking trails in search of wildlife, waterfalls and outstanding views. From emerald rainforests, smouldering volcanoes and tropical savannah, to steam-fed springs and bubbling mud pools, vibrant Costa Rica is a destination that always delivers. Country tracks or forest trails lead us to a number of waterfalls, where mineral rich water provides the perfect refresher after a day's walking! A visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano is also included to soothe any aching muscles.

Walking Trails of Brazil: giant flattop mountains rise above the grasslands whilst crystal-clear waterfalls, streams, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and caves are scattered between limestone escarpments. This scenery, risen from the ocean and carved by wind, water and time, greets visitors to Brazil's 'Diamond Plateau'. Chapada Diamantina, in the northeast of the country, inland from the colonial capital of Salvador, may be little known but is Brazil's premier trekking destination and its own Lost World.

Climbing Kilimanjaro - routes & when

This post has been moved to our new blog.

Best hikes, walks and treks in Latin America

I have done lots of treks, hikes and walks in South and Central America and the Caribbean.  From high altitude Andean treks to low-level Patagonian hikes, here are some of my favourite experiences in the Latin American world of adventure travel.

1) Peru - approaching the magnificant ruins of Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail is one of South America's great adventurous trekking experiences.  On this alternative trip we spend a few days deep in the Cordillera Vilcabamba before joining the Inca Trail itself. Our high and remote route skirts many of the range's great peaks, adding a fantastic mountain dimension to the classic Inca Trail.

2) Chile - without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of Torres del Paine, is to hike up to the base of the Towers of Paine. The walk itself is beautiful, offering some fantastic views across the park. The last part is a bit of a scramble but your reward at the Mirador is a staggering vista of sheer granite peaks.

3) Argentina - The Fitzroy range in Patagonia is less known than Torres  del Paine but offers similar incredible scenery and views along with a glacial lake whose still waters reflect the three main peaks of the range. And you can try your hand at Tyrolean river crossings, glacier walking and ice climbing!

4) Argentina - Tierra del Fuego has some of the most striking scenery on the continent.  Hike through dense beech forests and past giant beaver dams to glacial lakes, climb a mountain for views of the ocean, or walk along the shores of the Beagle Channel, taking in the fresh sea air and spectacular landscapes.

5) Northern Peru - Trekking around the Huayhuash Range makes for one of the world's most spectacular mountain circuits, rewarding you with unequalled views of its turquoise glacial lakes, jagged snow-capped peaks and stunning hanging glaciers that extend thousands of metres from the peaks.

6) Galapagos - walking is a great way to discover the Galapagos Islands, with its changing volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife.  Trek Isabela island, one of the last remaining habitats of the giant Galapagos tortoise, and home to many interesting species of endemic wildlife.

7) Ecuador - the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' is liberally sprinkled with some of the world's highest volcanic peaks.  The country is small enough to combine serious volcano climbing with cultural highlights such as markets and colonial towns.

8) Venezuela - towering above the tropical savannah stand the bare cliffs of Venezuela's tepuys. On a classic six-day trek you reach the summit of Mount Roraima, a maze of blackened rock and babbling streams harbouring a unique eco-system full of unusual plants including rare carnivorous species.
9) Costa Rica - Rincon de la Vieja National Park is regarded as one of Costa Rica's hidden gems. Hike through tropical forests to waterfalls, bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and hot springs and watch howler monkeys, sloths and many of the birds present here.

10) Guatemala - the central highlands around beautiful Lake Atitlan are a true paradise for walkers. Hike through traditional Indian villages, coffee plantations and cloud forest as you climb peaks which offer staggering views.  Delve into the local culture and find out more about the Mayan Indians who live in the highlands.


11) Cuba - there are plenty of great hikes in this island nation.  Walk from farm to farm to get a real insight into the lives of campesinos (small-scale farmers), enjoy the limestone cliffs of Viñales rising from the tobacco fields or walk to the Comandancia, Castro's mountain hideout.

Hiking in Viñales, Cuba

My top ten of best experiences in Europe

Europe is a continent with many cultures, languages and religions.  It is no wonder you can have so many different experiences.  Here is my top ten of favourite experiences in Europe.

1. great food - the number one reason I love to be in Europe is the food.  Be it a lovely salad in Greece, a good pasta in Italy, a simple leg of lamb in Andalucia or fish in Iceland, no matter where you go, the food always amazes me.  Enjoy it on a terrace, a patio or in a lovely restaurant, perhaps next to a cozy fireplace.
2. a good glass of wine - visit a winery in Tuscany, Rioja or Burgundy, find your favourite wine, and pair it with great food!
3. walk - my favourite way to get around Europe is on foot.  It allows you to stop where you please and literally smell the roses.  Or the aromatic herbs flanking a hillside in Croatia for that matter.  On one morning walk in Spain I walked through seven villages, each of them different and with it's own atmosphere.
4. cycle - another great way to travel Europe is by bike.  You get to cover slightly larger distances and feel the wind in your hair.  It allows you to explore larger areas, like the towns along the Danube, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the baroque cities of Central Europe.
5. history - Everywhere you go in Europe, history awaits to be uncovered.  My favourite?  Each time I visit Siena in Italy I am blown away by the duomo - a fantastic cathedral in black and white, lined with frescoes and paintings.  
6. engage your spirit - with churches and cathedrals around every corner, it is not hard to find a quiet place to reflect.  Be it a church in eternal Rome, a monastery set deep in the hills of Italy, or walking the Camino de Santiago, take time out from your trip to recharge your spirit.
7. art - it flourishes in Europe.  From paintings to sculptures to funky installations, it is everywhere.  My favourite places include the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Louvre in Paris, France.  But don't forget lesser known places such as Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
8. village life - I love the medieval towns and squares in Europe.  Wander the streets of Tallinn in Estonia, or the hilltop villages of Provence and Umbria.
9. the people - I have chatted with shopkeepers in Switzerland, gardeners in Russia and plenty of "ordinary" folk.  Each of them had lived a lifetime and had so many stories to share.  And I love just sitting down with a pint of beer and watch the people walk by (just as the carillon of the nearby cathedral starts playing a wonderful tune!).
10. markets - part of everyday life, markets are the place to shop.  Engage with the farmers or the artisans while you pick up locally grown fresh fruit, a handmade cheese and a bottle of wine.  Then make a beeline for a shady spot to enjoy a picnic.  Heaven!

What is your own European favourite?  Is there a place on your bucket list?  Email me!